Cervical Cancer on the Map: An Awareness Assessment Among Himachal’s General Population
Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India, where access to screening and preventive services is limited. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the principal cause of cervical cancer, yet awareness about its prevention through vaccination and screening is inadequate in many regions. Himachal Pradesh, a largely rural and geographically challenging state, faces unique barriers that can hinder early detection and public understanding of the disease. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a three-month period in 2025 among 400 residents of Himachal Pradesh aged 18 years and above. A self-administered bilingual Google Form questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge regarding cervical cancer, its causes, symptoms, prevention methods, and related misconceptions. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling through online platforms. Knowledge was scored based on 20 multiple-choice questions, with cumulative scores categorized into four levels: very good, good, fair, and poor. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS to explore associations between knowledge scores and demographic variables. Results: Among the 400 participants, 58% were female, 53% resided in rural areas, and a majority had secondary or higher education. While 66.3% demonstrated good to very good knowledge, significant misconceptions persisted—especially around Pap smear frequency (only 54.5% answered correctly), HPV transmission, and the belief that cervical cancer is hereditary. Statistically significant associations were observed between knowledge scores and age (p = 0.021), education level (p< 0.001), and residence (p = 0.009), with younger, urban, and more educated respondents displaying higher awareness levels. Gender differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.198). Conclusion: The study reveals a moderately satisfactory level of cervical cancer awareness among Himachal Pradesh’s population, with notable disparities based on age, education, and geographic location. Although basic awareness regarding prevention and curability exists, gaps in understanding key preventive practices highlight the urgent need for region-specific, culturally sensitive educational interventions. Strengthening community outreach, dispelling myths, and integrating awareness campaigns into existing public health frameworks are essential for reducing the cervical cancer burden in this Himalayan region.